Pakistan: Taliban Not Legitimate Representatives of Afghanistan People

DID Press: As border clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban escalated, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry declared that Taliban “do not represent Afghanistan people” and that the current government in Kabul lacks both national and international legitimacy.

Speaking of escalating tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban authorities, Pakistan foreign Ministry spokesperson Shafqat Ali said the group had “seized power by the gun” rather than through public mandate.

At a press briefing in Islamabad on Friday, October 17, Ali said: “At present, there is no formal government in Afghanistan. The Taliban rule the country by force of arms, but a day will come when Afghanistan people will choose a government that truly represents them.”

Despite the ongoing border conflict, Ali noted that Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul remains operational, and that Islamabad continues to pursue diplomatic channels to help resolve the crisis.

He also condemned the Taliban’s reported mishandling of a fallen Pakistani soldier’s body, warning: “We will neither forget nor forgive this act.”

The sharp remarks come after a week of intense fighting between Pakistani and Taliban forces, which has left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead on both sides.

Meanwhile, the Taliban administration confirmed that a delegation from the group is holding talks with Pakistani officials in Doha to negotiate a potential permanent ceasefire.

Analysts say Pakistan’s latest comments mark a significant shift in Islamabad’s official tone toward the Taliban, signaling a potential move to isolate Taliban at the regional and international level.